Smartphone Weapon Display System with Modular Fire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for weapon operation lack integrated, user-friendly solutions for displaying system status, squad member positioning, and ballistics calculations, particularly in a portable and intuitive manner, while maintaining control of the weapon.
Innovation Solution
A weapon video display system that includes a smartphone attachment with software applications for displaying system status, squad member positioning, and ballistics solutions, utilizing an optical range finder and fire control system, along with a handgrip for input functionality, and a Picatinny rail system for mounting accessories, allowing for navigation and control of the weapon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smartphone is used to display ballistics solutions and system status, then user interface usability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into separate modules: the smartphone handles user interface and display, while dedicated fire control systems handle ballistics calculations and weapon control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving usability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a housing with pivotable shells that protect and position the smartphone, and a handgrip with input functionality that mediates between the user and the display interface. These intermediaries simplify the interaction model while managing the complexity of integrating multiple systems.
2Productivity
If multiple functions are integrated into the weapon system, then operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone serves multiple functions including displaying ballistics solutions, showing system status, providing squad member positioning, and serving as a communication device. This multi-functionality consolidates several systems into one platform, improving operational efficiency while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fire control system, optical range finder, and smartphone into an integrated assembly mounted on the weapon. The housing combines protective functions, mounting functions, and display functions in a single structure, reducing the number of separate components and improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a protective housing with pivotable shells is used for the smartphone, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates pivotable shells that can rotate between closed and open positions, allowing dynamic access to the smartphone. This dynamic structure improves ease of operation by enabling quick access while the pivot mechanism keeps the overall structure compact, managing complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate targeting and efficient operation by providing a portable, intuitive interface for ballistics calculations and system status, enhancing user control and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical emitter for sending an optical signal to a target and an optical detector for detecting the signal reflected from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A video display system for a weapon includes a removably attachable optical range finder for calculating a distance to a selected target. The optical range finder includes an optical emitter for sending an optical signal to a target and an optical detector for detecting the signal reflected from the target. A fire control system is removably attachable to the weapon and associated with the optical range finder. The fire control system includes a ballistics computer for calculating a ballistics solution based on the distance to the target. A portable electronic device associated with the fire control system has a display screen and is removably attachable to the weapon. The portable electronic device includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the program instructions configured to display the ballistics solution in human viewable form on the display screen. In another aspect, a weapon video display housing configuration is provided.